Councils & Communities of Practice
Overview
Councils and Communities of Practice are a key part of the Users Group’s efforts to advance the field of acute care at home. These entities support the development and improvement of Hospital at Home programs, create a supportive policy environment, and address key issues in the field.
councils
Councils are small, membership-based groups. Members are selected through an application process and serve two-year terms, with specific participation and attendance requirements. Councils meet on a quarterly basis.
There are currently four Users Group councils:
Pharmacy
This council, whose members represent a variety of clinical disciplines, identifies, prioritizes, and addresses medication-related workflows, policies, and operational barriers that may directly impact patient care in the Hospital at Home setting. The work of this council is centered on three fundamental focus areas: Pharmacy Operations, Clinical Care Coordination, and Medication Standards.
Led by Katherine DeSanctis, Mandy McGowan, and Siva Velanthottu.
Practice Standards
This council is concerned with the development and distribution of practice standards. They have conducted a nationwide practice standards survey, published a manuscript and associated standards for the field, and have created version 2.0 of these standards. Currently, they are launching a Site Visit Exchange Program.
Led by Drs. Bruce Leff, David Levine, and Stephanie Murphy.
Quality Indicators
This group is building a National Hospital at Home Quality Registry of patient and safety data for HaH programs. The council is engaging with User Group sites to join the national data collection effort, and the council’s members will assist with analyzing data and writing up the abstract/manuscript.
Led by Drs. Linda DeCherrie, Bruce Leff, David Levine and Greg Snyder.
Technology
This group provides thought leadership on how to best develop and employ technology to deliver the highest quality and most efficient HaH care. The council’s efforts – guided by an overarching focus of advancing solutions for every HaH patient – include developing technology guidelines in key areas and working with industry, government, and academia to develop HaH-specific products/services to expand the model’s scope.
Led by Drs. Jared Conley and David Levine.
communities of practice
Communities of practice are open, self-governing groups of Users Group members who are interested in collaborating on a specific topic. Those interested in joining a community of practice do not have to go through a formal application process to join; instead, they fill out an interest form. The CoP’s objectives and meeting cadence are up to the discretion of the group’s leadership.
nursing
This community of practice connects nurses across Hospital at Home programs and strengthens the nursing voice within this evolving model of care. The community provides a space for nurses to collaborate, share practices and resources, identify common challenges, and learn from one another across organizations and roles.